Baba again scolded him, "You fool! It is for this very reason that I have spent so much time with you. Jungli ! Idiot, you should accept what the Master says! You are not required to think about it.
"This is the reason why priests have such a firm hold over the minds of common people; to eradicate this hold is most difficult. You have been with me for so many years, and see how firmly your upbringing is still rooted in you. If you don't listen now, you will be born as a frog in your next birth! Now will you listen to me?"
This comment made Raosaheb smile and he apologized for his behavior.
The next day, Baba called a 6:00 A.M. meeting with Buasaheb, Raosaheb, Vishnu, and Chanji. He sent Vishnu to Nasik and then to Panchgani to help in arrangements for Baba's upcoming visit there. Chanji was sent to Bombay in connection with bringing Aga Ali from Persia. Chanji was to see Ali's father in Bombay and make him agree to some decision about Ali's return, so that Baidul might not face more difficulties in bringing him to India. Baba instructed Raosaheb to go to Nasik, also, and then to Bombay to help Chanji.
Three days later on Wednesday, 9 April 1930, Baba, with a group of eighteen (which included Buasaheb, Chhagan, Kalemama, Gustadji, Jalbhai, Chanji, Kalingad, and a few other boys), took a bus to Panchgani. They were the guests of Raosaheb Pandit, the principal of the Hindu High School. The mandali stayed in specially constructed grass huts near the school, and Baba was given a room inside the school.1
Visiting Tiger Valley in Panchgani the next day, Baba selected a spot in the forest for his seclusion. Baba instructed Kalemama to have a cave dug there and have it ready within a month. Kalemama, an engineer, promptly proceeded with the work and began drawing up the excavation plans. Huts were to be built in the valley for Baba, the mandali, and the boys.
Baba then stated:
On 15 May, I will enter seclusion. Four of you will sit with me in seclusion, but will be separated. Four others will keep watch day and night on both sides of the cave. Including myself, all nine of us will have to fast on milk. No one else but Chhagan will approach me for special instructions.
Footnotes
- 1.The Hindu High School in Panchgani is now known as Sanjeevan Vidhyalaya.